With the likes of Supercars Australia seemingly determined to conduct as many prime motor racing events as it can on street circuits, it’s great to see an all-new permanent motor racing facility will soon be up and running – The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
Many street events are often largely funded by ratepayers and taxpayers, but The Bend has been developed and primarily funded by the Peregrine Corporation – South Australia’s largest private company.
Construction started early in 2016 and it’s just about ready for cars and bikes.
Built on the site of the old Mitsubishi testing grounds, The Bend will open for motorsport in April when it hosts the inaugural round of the Shannons Nationals, headlined by the CAMS Australian Endurance Championship.
The Shannons weekend will give drivers and spectators their first proper look at the circuit, which is also scheduled to host the Supercars Championship in August next.
The Bend Motorsport Park allows multiple circuit configurations ranging from 3.4 to 7.8 kilometres in length, with the GT Circuit being one of the longest permanent circuits in the world.
The circuit has been built for both FIA Grade 2 and FIM Category A certification.
The Bend is intended for a host of different types of two- and four-wheeled motor sport and associated activities.
It includes Australia’s only purpose-built drift circuit, a CIK-FIA standard karting circuit, a rallycross circuit, an international Group 1 dragway, purpose-built driver training facilities, a 4WD proving ground and adventure park plus a rally/off road facility.
A Rydges hotel is also included on site.
It is genuinely good news to welcome a new venue, especially one so handsomely funded and designed to cater for so many disciplines of motor racing.
It won’t compensate for the coming loss of Sandown or closure of Oran Park and Lakeside International, and earlier obliteration of Amaroo Park (1998), and Hume Weir (1977).
But at least it reverses a sad trend.
